July 2006 NUI Galway Expands Studies in Irish Translation to Meet Demand

31 July 2006: Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway, is expanding its range of translation studies through the medium of Irish. A new M.A. in Translation Studies has come on stream to meet the rapidly growing demand for professional Irish translators at home and abroad. Applications for the two-year, full-time masters course, the highest accredited course in this discipline ever to be offered in the country, will be accepted until 04 August. The course is also available over one year as a Postgraduate Diploma.

"The demand for translators with third-level qualifications has been on the increase since the Official Languages Act which has effectively made all public bodies bilingual. Highly skilled translators are also in demand in Brussels, following the newly-acquired status of Irish as an official working language of the European Union", commented Eoin Ó Droighneáin, Department Head, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway.

Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge is NUI Galway's national institute pioneering third-level education through the Irish language. A range of diploma and higher diploma translation courses has been on offer for five years at the Acadamh. The new M.A. in Translation Studies complements the existing offering but also takes the level of accreditation higher.

Eoin Ó Droighneáin added, "Acquiring professional translation skills and achieving a recognised third-level qualification is becoming an important career move. Our translation courses are designed to suit people's needs, whether it's a worker who wants to study part-time to improve their career path or someone who wants to study full-time to embark on a new career in Brussels."

Part of the Acadamh's agenda is to bring the University to the people and to empower communities in Gaeltacht areas. Its two-year, part-time diploma in translation studies will be held in September in Ráth Cairn, Co. Meath; Gleann Cholm Cille, Co. Donegal; and in An Cheathrú Rua, Co. Galway.

In addition to translation courses, NUI Galway's Acadamh offers a growing range of courses through Irish including: Communications; TV & Radio Skills; Language Planning; Drama; and IT.

Applications are now being accepted for all courses. For more information, telephone Cassie Ní Chathasaigh in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway, on 091 869 022 or e-mail aistriuchan@oegaillimh.ie